Setup Wizard Overview
The Setup Wizard runs automatically on the first boot of NetRecon OS. It guides you through all essential configuration steps to get your probe operational. The wizard is accessible via a web browser at http://<probe-ip>:8080.
Prerequisites
- NetRecon OS successfully booted on your probe hardware
- At least one Ethernet cable connected to your network
- A computer or smartphone on the same network to access the wizard
Wizard Steps
The setup wizard consists of 11 steps, completed sequentially:
| Step | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome | Language selection and license agreement |
| 2 | Admin Account | Create the administrator username and password |
| 3 | Hostname | Set the probe's hostname on the network |
| 4 | Network Interfaces | Detect and assign roles to Ethernet ports |
| 5 | Network Mode | Choose scanning topology (Single, Dual, Bridge, TAP) |
| 6 | IP Configuration | Set static IP or DHCP for each interface |
| 7 | DNS & NTP | Configure DNS servers and time synchronization |
| 8 | Cloudflare Tunnel | Set up remote access tunnel (optional) |
| 9 | Security Settings | Configure TLS certificates, 2FA, and session timeout |
| 10 | Initial Scan Target | Define the first subnet to scan |
| 11 | Summary & Apply | Review all settings and apply configuration |
Step Details
Step 1: Welcome
Select your preferred language from the 11 supported languages. Accept the license agreement to proceed.
Step 2: Admin Account
Create the administrator account that will be used to log into the probe dashboard and API. Choose a strong password — this account has full system access.
Step 3: Hostname
Set a meaningful hostname for the probe (e.g., netrecon-hq or probe-branch-01). This hostname will be broadcast via mDNS for local discovery.
Step 4: Network Interfaces
The wizard detects all available Ethernet ports and displays their link status. You assign a role to each interface:
- Scan — the interface used for network discovery and scanning
- Management — the interface used for dashboard access and remote management
- Uplink — the interface connected to your internet gateway
- Unused — disabled interfaces
See Network Interfaces for detailed guidance.
Step 5: Network Mode
Choose how the probe connects to your network:
- Single Interface — scan and management on one port
- Dual Scan — separate scan and management interfaces
- Bridge — transparent inline mode between two ports
- TAP — passive monitoring via a network TAP or SPAN port
See Network Modes for detailed guidance.
Step 6: IP Configuration
For each active interface, choose between DHCP and static IP configuration. Static IP is recommended for the management interface so the probe's address does not change.
Step 7: DNS & NTP
Configure upstream DNS servers (defaults to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and Google 8.8.8.8). NTP is configured to ensure accurate timestamps for logs and scan results.